There
was no way to prepare me for a world
outside of my own—I had to trust in the
Lord and have faith that he would give me grace. After a day and half of air travel we made it
to Nagaland. It is a breath taking place
and culturally more different then I had expected. Some people lived in houses, others in 5
story apartment buildings, and even some in huts made from bamboo and tree
leaves. As I sat in the car soaking it
all in, I realized that it all was not as different as it seemed. These huts I saw are no different from North
American trailer parks. Garbage was
scattered along the streets but I saw just as much garbage along the streets in
New Jersey. On the car ride, I am sure I
looked like a kid at a theme park for the first time, but by the second day my
awe had turned into familiarity and love.
Needless to say, Nagaland now has a place in my heart, and I am sure it
will be there for the rest of my life. I
learned a lot about the territory and its history, some of it by just observing
and the rest by listening. 
The
first thing that greeted us as we got off the plane in Dimapur was two armed
soldiers. On the drive to the schools, we went through various army check
points and of course two cars full of foreigners attracted their
attention. It was revealed to us that there
is a political tension over the land: India and Nagaland both claim it as their
own. About a year ago a cease fire was
signed and foreigners were allowed to travel within Nagaland without a
restricted –area permit.
Upon
meeting the students, teachers, and school heads, I got to see some small
things that point back to their tribal roots, but also, see how much they are
like us. They dress no different than a
south Korean or North American, and they speak at the least 3 languages. Their
population is 19 000 000 and farmers are the main driving force of the economy. The country does not export their agriculture
mainly due to lack organization, but also do to small crops and unaccommodating
roads.
The
people I had the privilege of meeting are just as beautiful as the land, they were
very hospitable and welcoming. They took
care of our basic needs with warm caring hearts and just loved us more then I
could have imagined. Nominalism is wide spread there, but I could not see it in
these students or teachers. From what
they said, the churches are rigid toward certain types of growth or changes. This response to changes I am sure can hinder
growth and possibly foster this spirit of Nominalism. The students were so
hungry for God. They were very
interested in small groups and one-on-one discipleship but they didn’t know how
to start them, and felt the pastors would be unwelcoming of such programs. I did hear some stories where they were doing
something like a small group through outreach in small villages. So that is a step in the right direction. If God puts these people on your heart please
pray for improvement in education especially within the church, that the people
would grow in the knowledge of God and share a deep relationship with him, and that
the students would bring Godly changes and growth into the lives of those God
brings them to.
On
the way home while digesting the trip God placed before me a verse that sums up
my trip nicely. “I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will
have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.” (Philemon
1:6). And through my sharing I was able
to learn about and observe the heart of God.
I saw and experienced how God provides for his people, from monetary needs
to accommodations, and so much more. The
schools drove us to where we needed to be, they gave us a bed, a room, and
food. And I could see how He provided
teachers, students, facilities, etc. for the schools.
It
was such an honor to have that opportunity to teach seminary students, and how
all I had as credentials was Jesus Christ.
I learned to trust Him with planning my workshop lessons and give me
peace to teach in front of the classes.
He gave me the courage to tell my testimony and even converse with the
female students. He gave me, my husband,
and my child grace as I was away from them during training and during the
mission trip. God gave me and my family
the strength, energy, and focus while I was there to do His will. Before leaving, I would reflect on the fact
that I was leaving my family and I would feel so sad, but then God would give
me Luke 14:26-27. It was like God was
asking me who was more important in my heart.
After the mission trip, I returned to a sermon on exactly that topic, and
interestingly enough the pastor used going on a mission trip as an
example. The sermon hit home and
confirmed for me one of the important lessons God taught me through this
experience. 